Bilbo Baggins, Hamilton - Waikato

The Hobbit Trilogy filming locations

The Hobbit Trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, throughout locations in both the North and South Islands.

North Island Locations

Hobbiton

The rolling hills of The Shire were once again brought to life near Matamata, where Hobbiton was re-built for The Hobbit Trilogy. Also used in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Hobbiton has remained open as an attraction for Middle‑earth fans. Enjoy peering over a Hobbit’s front gate, dancing under the party tree or swigging back a beer at The Green Dragon Inn. Hobbiton Movie Set - booking in advance is recommended.

Gandalf in Hobbiton, Hamilton - Waikato

By Warner Bros

Gandalf in Hobbiton

Piopio

The looming cliffs, unusual limestone rock formations and prehistoric forest at Mangaotaki Rocks in Piopio looks as if it has been created especially to form the backdrop for Middle‑earth. This area provided the location for Trollshaws Forest and Staddles Farm where a number of scenes from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey were shot; including The Company arriving at a destroyed farmhouse, the exit from the Troll Hoard Cave, Gandalf bestowing Sting upon Bilbo, Radagast's arrival and the Gundabad Wargs and Orcs attack.

Piopio, Hamilton - Waikato

By Tourism NZ

The Mangaotaki Rocks, near Piopio, featured in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Trollshaws Forest

Turoa, Ruapehu

The rocky slopes and grassy tussock of Turoa in Ruapehu was the setting for Hidden Bay, the entrance to the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Turoa is a popular ski field on Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park. The area is also known for its breathtaking cycling and hiking trails, including The Tongariro Crossing which is considered one of the best one day walks in the world. Crew filmed here for one day, in which giant scaffolding was built down to the site in order to protect native flora and fauna on the mountain.

Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand

By Visit Ruapehu

Views along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

South Island Locations

Twizel

Twizel's alpine magic was captured on-film in both The Hobbit:An Unexpected Journey and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Part of the Wargs chase was filmed here; and the largest battle scene ever - the Battle of the Pelennor Fields - was set in a remote Twizel field. Twizel is home to a charming mountain town, and a road trip around the local area will give you a feel for the spectacular scenes that were filmed here.

Loch Cameron, Twizel, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Canterbury Tourism

Serenity at Loch Cameron in Twizel.

Mount Cook

Mount Cook and it's surrounding alpine peaks are used in the backdrop of some of the aerial filming in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Visit Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for a range of walking tracks and scenic views.

Mount Cook, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Rob Suisted

Mount Cook and it's surrounding alpine peaks are used in the backdrop of some of the aerial filming in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Queenstown

One of the most magical locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey; Earnslaw Burn is a glacier that has created a number of cascading waterfalls that tumble down a huge rock face. Here, Bilbo and The Company are filmed continuing on their quest after departing Rivendell. The Earnslaw Burn Track - beginning in Glenorchy - is a challenging 4-hour hike that rewards with spectacular views at the head of the valley over the glacier and beyond.

Passburn was used for the approach to Misty Mountains and Passburn Track on the Mavora Walkway - one section of New Zealand’s national walkway Te Araroa - is open to the public.

Beorn's House, Queenstown

By Warner Bros. Pictures

Beorn's House

Wanaka

The world-class ski area of Treble Cone was another filming location, and is famous for its off-piste terrain and unrivalled views across Wanaka and the Central Otago region. The skifield is abuzz during winter months and has the longest vertical run in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Alpine Peaks in the Wanaka region was also described as 'Wild Country' for the first film and provided the backdrop for soaring eagles.

Treble Cone, Wanaka

By Martyn Williams

The world-class ski area of Treble Cone was another filming location.

Nelson Tasman

New Zealand’s sunniest region, Nelson Tasman, provided the backdrop for several locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The exact locations were filmed on private property, but visitors can get a good feel for these locations with a horse trek. Ride across neighbouring private farmland to the dramatic cliff drop which offers spectacular coastal views over Golden Bay.

Horse trekking, Nelson

By John Doogan

Take a horse trek in Nelson Tasman for spectacular coastal views.

Pelorus River, Marlborough

Peter Jackson chose the Pelorus River to film the dwarves in barrels scene that appears in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Here, the dwarves were filmed floating in giant barrels down the river. Stephen Hunter, who played dwarf Bombur, called this experience 'his favourite day on set'. You can experience this exact location for yourself with an easy riverside walk, or take a guided kayak tour.

Barrel scene, Marlborough

By Warner Bros. Pictures

Barrel scene filmed on the Pelorus river.

Fiordland National Park

Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogies used the majestic Fiordland National Park for epic scenic shots. The scene where The Company flees the mountains on the backs of eagles in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was filmed here also. Experience giant fiords and spectacular waterfalls with a helicopter flight or boat cruise.

The grasslands of Te Anau Downs provided the backdrop for chase scenes, while Mararoa Saddle doubled as the wildlands which Thorin leads the dwarves through.

Kayaking Milford Sound, Fiordland

By Alistair Guthrie

Experience the grandeur of Milford Sound up-close on a kayak tour.

Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook

Stunning Lake Pukaki was chosen as the location for Laketown in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Glacial lakes feed into Lake Pukaki giving the water its vibrant blue colour. The lake is also a favourite fishing, walking and cycling spot, while the snowcapped Mt Cook overlooking the lake is busy with skiers during the winter months.

Braemar Station at Lake Pukaki was used in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to portray epic scenic shots, the 'Warg Chase' and approach to Rivendell. The property was also used for the forest slopes of Misty Mountains.